Page 22 - July August 2021 CBA Report
P. 22

BLAC-CBA
ROUND TABLE
The BLAC-CBA Round Table works to expand opportunities for minorities in the legal profession. For more information about the BLAC-CBA Round Table, contact LaDonna Wallace Smith at (513) 699-1392 or lwsmith@cincybar.org.
 Diversity in Action: BLAC-CBA Round Table reimagines, refreshes and renews diversity objectives in a three-part program
We believe it is time for an innovative approach to achieve significant and sustainable progress in the area of retention and success rates of Black attorneys in Greater Cincinnati. Accordingly, the BLAC-CBA Round Table
   TAKEAWAYS:
Culture isn’t
what you aspire to,
it is what you tolerate.
Feedback is forward looking and leads to success.
Big goals vs. actional commitments
Cognitive performance and resilience
The more different the attorney the less candor
Bias mitigation strategies
worked hard to create a new type of program, one that required engagement
from the leaders – not just representatives.
GOAL:
The Round Table would
engage key decision-makers, managing partners and bar leadership in an education program
focused on hiring, retaining, and promoting AA attorneys in the Greater Cincinnati
legal community.
The session was informed by a historical consideration of the experiences of Black attorneys in Cincinnati as well as related bar activities designed
Supported by the
Cincinnati Bar
Foundation, we
engaged a leading expert, Dr. Arin Reeves, to help us collectively identify new tools and fix broken strategies through a 3-part generative thinking program, beginning on January 14, 2021, and concluding on April 21, 2021.
Program I focused on ideation around better hiring, retention and advancement of AA attorneys.
 LOGISTICS:
TOTAL OF 9 HOURS
(three, 3-hour sessions) January 14 • March • April 21
More than 50 law firms, 2 law schools, law departments, public sector and public interest offices, including state and federal courts.
Iterative Process led by
We continue to re-imagine, refresh, and renew our efforts. We look forward to the fruits of our collective efforts.
 HOMEWORK:
Identify foreseeable hurdles, unexpected challenges, new discoveries, and fresh insights.
Pay attention to moments of discomfort
and momentum — what worked brilliantly
and what struggled to stick? What questions developed as you implemented your plan? Did you discover a need for specific resources? What could you begin doing this week that will move you closer to a more diverse partnership or more engaged attorneys?
to increase the hiring, promotion, and retention of Black lawyers.
Program II and
Program III
were devoted
to participants reporting back on the successes and challenges they encountered when attempting to implement the strategies identified in Program I. At every step along the way, Dr. Reeves helped us hone tools to address those challenges.
22 l July/August 2021 CBA REPORT
www.CincyBar.org
Dr. Arin N. Reeves, Nextions





















































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